Putin's huge list of demands if ceasefire is to happen in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has presented a list of conditions for a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, signaling a shift in Russia’s public stance on peace talks.

Initially, it seemed that Moscow was not interested in pausing the conflict. Ahead of negotiations for a long-term peace agreement, Putin’s aide, Yuri Ushakov, dismissed the idea of a temporary ceasefire, casting doubt on the possibility of an immediate halt to hostilities. This rejection came despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s stern warnings that failing to agree to a ceasefire would have “very bad” consequences for Russia.

However, in a surprising turn, Putin has now stated that Russia “absolutely supports” a ceasefire—though only under specific conditions.

Putin’s Conditions for a Ceasefire

Speaking on Russian state television, Putin emphasized that a ceasefire would only be possible if key issues were addressed. While he expressed openness to a 30-day ceasefire, he described the situation as having “nuances” that required further discussion.

“First of all, what are we going to do about this incursion in Kursk?” he asked, referring to small areas of Russian territory that are currently under Ukrainian control.

The Russian president has previously claimed that Russian forces have largely regained control of the Kursk region and that Ukrainian troops in the area have been “isolated.” He then raised concerns about what would happen to Ukrainian soldiers in the region if a ceasefire were enacted.

“If we ceased hostilities for 30 days, would it mean that everybody there would leave? Should we release them after they committed serious crimes against civilians there?” he questioned.

Putin also expressed skepticism over how Ukraine might use a ceasefire, suggesting that Kyiv could take advantage of the pause to regroup and strengthen its forces.

“How will those 30 days be used? For Ukraine to mobilize? Rearm? Train people? Or none of that? Then a question—how will that be controlled?” he continued.

Additionally, he raised logistical concerns about implementing a ceasefire along the extensive 2,000-kilometer front line, arguing that Russian troops are currently advancing in multiple regions and are in a position to encircle “fairly large” groups of Ukrainian soldiers.

Russia’s Broader Ceasefire Demands

Putin’s latest comments follow previously stated demands, including that Ukraine formally renounce NATO membership, commit to not deploying foreign troops, and recognize Russian sovereignty over the territories Moscow currently occupies, per The Times. These territories include parts of Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Luhansk, Mykolaiv, and Zaporizhzhia, as well as Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.

“The idea [of a ceasefire] is good, and we absolutely support it, but there are issues we need to discuss, and I think we need to negotiate with our American colleagues,” Putin stated.

Ukraine Responds

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has since responded to Putin’s remarks, accusing Russia of “preparing to reject” the deal. Kyiv remains cautious, viewing Moscow’s conditions as an attempt to solidify territorial gains rather than a genuine effort toward peace.

With these conflicting positions, it remains unclear whether a ceasefire agreement will be reached or if the war will continue with no immediate resolution in sight.